ESA brings to each project a broad point of view that comes from over four decades of working with private developers, municipal utilities, the public, and federal, state, and local agencies coupled with the project-specific expertise and practical knowledge it takes to perform at the local level.

At ESA, we employ over 500 bright, creative, and dedicated professionals throughout our California, Florida, Oregon, and Washington offices. Ours is a top notch team widely recognized for technical excellence and solutions-based consulting.

ESA was founded in California in 1969, shortly before enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—landmark laws that have greatly influenced environmental planning and analysis.

Owens Lake Master Plan EIR

Owens Lake has been known as the largest source of particulate-matter pollution in the United States as a result of historic water diversions from Owens Valley. To address dust control and public values, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) initiated a stakeholder-driven process to define an integrated land use, resource management, and public use vision that will result in a Master Plan to manage and enhance Owens Lake.

As a participant in the planning and visioning process, ESA is providing technical input to ensure CEQA compliance and evaluating habitat suitability, aesthetic enjoyment, public access and recreation, and economic viability. In order to be ratified as the vision for Owens Lake, the Master Plan must be adopted by the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) and evaluated under CEQA and the Public Trust doctrine. ESA’s multidisciplinary expertise is supporting the development of Master Plan alternatives and preparation of the environmental impact report.

Working with project partners including LADWP, California Department of Fish and Game, Audubon, County of Inyo, City of Lone Pine, and the CSLC, ESA’s multidisciplinary expertise is informing the planning process. We will proactively assist in streamlining the environmental review and making sure the vision is environmentally sensitive.